It's wonderful to host novelist and actress Sara Alexander's guest post today on the how she finds it vital to nourish herself creatively in order to be the best parent she can be.
Parents assume that bonding happens immediately at birth, and whilst it can, for many, birth, particularly the first time round is a rollercoaster of emotion oscillating between shock, elation, worry and love.
It's great to welcome Laura Clark again as part of her regular column for me: Live Smart Be Healthy. I know all you new mothers and fathers will find her advice invaluable.
I know it's Valentine's Day but romantic love isn't what I'm focusing on here (although I madly deeply love my husband *go check my Vestaire Collective wishlist Peter (inserts blowing kisses emojis).
My mini fashionistas, Oliver and Alexander have excitingly been signed to become ambassadors for exquisite kids' shoe brand Pisemonas and as you can see here, they're certainly HUGE (little) fans of their new shoes.
I've recently returned from a incredibly relaxing and restorative break at the Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel in Sagres, Portugal, where I spent 5 lush days with my favourite lady, my Mum, Vasoulla.
This family LOVES Liverpool, I nearly studied English at the university there before opting for the bright lights of London and Goldsmiths, University of London- but now we live in Leeds, we like to visit it a lot-for culture, shopping, great food and family fun.
For a start, my eldest son Oliver has pretty much (for now at least), got over his most recent bout of jealousy towards his younger brother Alexander, and dare I say it, they're actually playing well together. I even caught Oliver kissing his little wee sibling last night. It was what womb-stirring dreams are made of.
So to recap, the Fast Diet was done for 12 weeks then a few more pre holiday (eating normally for 5 days a week, consuming approx 700 calories for 2).
I then lost weight whiles we were on holiday in Portugal (although I did eat cake as the hotel food was too good to say no to and I refuse to diet on holiday) but we walked tonnes, swam all day and I came back fitter and leaner than before we left.
